Price of iPhone in Brazil and other countries

Sorry, I speak Portuguese but I don't have a translation for this site but I laughed a lot with the imagination shown by Brazilian users commenting on the most expensive iPhone officially sold by Apple in the planet:

That site, UOL (www.uol.com.br) is the most popular in the country, so naturally that piece had a lot of visibility (especially on the front page). Apple Brazil refused to provide explanations when asked by the journalists.

The computers aren't priced that highly either. The MBA is about R$500 more than it should be but the iPhone is about R$1000 too high. Maybe it's to do with the arrangement they have with the carriers or some insurance against theft. You'd probably be cheaper getting it shipped from America or flying in and buying one:

That makes it even less clear why the iPhone 4S is so ridiculously expensive. I had chalked it up to import duties, but Samsung importers should be paying the same rate shouldn't they, and the S2 is just about as expensive as an iPhone at least in NA.

These comparisons are very deceptive. The Brazilian Real is considered to be the most overvalued major currency in the world currently. Everything is going to look way more expensive priced in Real especially when compared to prices in devalued U.S. dollars.

These comparisons are very deceptive. The Brazilian Real is considered to be the most overvalued major currency in the world currently. Everything is going to look way more expensive priced in Real especially when compared to prices in devalued U.S. dollars.

Still wouldn't explain why the latest iPhone is so much more than other premium smartphones.

Still wouldn't explain why the latest iPhone is so much more than other premium smartphones.

Even your own example proves that theory wrong. An unlocked Galaxy S2 seems to go for around $525 in the U.S., which makes the price for the phone in Brazilian Real converted to U.S. dollars about twice as much. Almost the same for the iPhone.

The huge irony is that people in countries with highly valued currencies like the Real are in the position to reap tremendous benefits when they travel. Everything in other countries is on sale. Instead some insist on playing mind games on themselves.

Even your own example proves that theory wrong. An unlocked Galaxy S2 seems to go for around $525 in the U.S., which makes the price for the phone in Brazilian Real converted to U.S. dollars about twice as much. Almost the same for the iPhone.

I suppose your example works if going by the least expensive price you can find for the Galaxy2 rather than Samsung's retail pricing compared to Apple's retail pricing.

I suppose your example works if going by the least expensive price you can find for the Galaxy2 rather than Samsung's retail pricing compared to Apple's retail pricing.

Yes, since those are the prices you actually pay for the Samsung and the iPhone. I didn't go for the least expensive Samsung, more like the average. They are selling for between $500 and $550 on Amazon.

Currency exchange seem to be such a poorly understood concept in general. Instead of complaining about their super-strong currency not lowering prices for goods at home (be careful what you wish for), Brazilians should be traveling and enjoying the buying power it gives them abroad.

Exchange rates have nothing to do in this case to justify a price difference over 100% (still the current rate is the lowest in over 1 year - R$1.00 is currently equivalent to US$0.53, not long ago it was equivalent to US$0.63).

Unfortunately, Brazil is a large economy with a third world mindset still. Brazilians are indeed not yet accostumed with their better luck and manufacturers from several countries (among them, Apple) are so happy to explore that. The fact that Apple Brazil refused to answer journalist questions (not trying to explain the "unexplainable") regarding this topic is a clear admission of guilt.

"Brand-conscious Brazilians love to use their money cash, above all ranking first per capita in spending among the top 10 groups of foreign visitors to the United States, a list that includes the French, British and Germans. In all, 1.2 million Brazilians visited in 2010 and spent $5.9 billion, or $4,940 for each visitor. Only travelers from India and China outspent the Brazilians, but far fewer visit, and they are not among the top 10."